After an incredibly successful first year in 2023, the New England Garden Festival is back for 2024. Running for 7 days this year from 31 October to 6 November, the 2024 festival has this year grown beyond the confines of Armidale and will branch out into 6 different townships.
Event organiser and spokesperson for the event committee Lou Forsythe said, “We were absolutely ecstatic with the response to last year’s event, so this year we’ve decided to go even bigger!”
This year’s festival will kick off with a Spring Garden Trail, beginning in the township of Walcha, and will showcase three gardens in each town.
Final details of which exact gardens will be showcased in each location is yet to be finalised but the itinerary for the trail is set:
- 31 October Walcha
- 1 November Uralla
- 2-3 November Armidale and New England Garden Festival at the Armidale Racecourse
- 4 November Guyra
- 5 November Glen Innes
- 6 November Tenterfield
“In making the event a Trail we’ve deliberately kept the gardens to just three per town for two reasons – firstly because we know the gardener’s attending all want to see as much as possible and secondly, we’ve capped the open times from 9am – 2pm so that they can then stay overnight in that town and enjoy some of the other attractions each location has to offer,” said Ms Forsythe.
“We’re currently working with residents in each township to curate a list of some of the best things to see, eat and do in each town that we can give to visitors so that from 2pm once they’re done seeing the gardens, they can explore.”
The main festival event will be once again held at the Armidale Racecourse on Saturday and Sunday 2-3 November.
“We’ve already had an incredible response from stallholders, with the same number that we had last year already locked in and more applications to be a part of the festival still coming,” said Ms Forsythe.
“As well as the stalls, we’ll also be holding workshops again, with all the favourites from last year plus some new additions to the schedule”
“And, after highlighting local musical talent in general last year, this year we’ll be highlighting local school musical talent – the talent in our schools in Armidale is just outstanding so I know that we’re going to have some fabulous performances.”
Last year saw television personality Brendan Moar take to the stage as the festival’s special guest and Ms Forsythe assures us that this year will also provide a great surprise.
“I’m not giving away any names just yet but I will say that we have an excellent special guest in the works for this year,” said Ms Forsythe.
The festival is still run entirely by a crew of very dedicated volunteers, with some additional help from the volunteer garden clubs in all the towns except Walcha, where the Quota club is taking the reins and assisting with organisation.
“It’s a little bit scary but also very exciting to see that everything is starting to fall into place now,” said Ms Forsythe.
“But on a serious note, I really want to highlight our wonderful charity this year. Once again, we’ll be raising funds for Can Assist who do amazing work ensuring that people in the region can access cancer care, helping with things like medication, accommodation, travel and financial assistance.”
Can Assist currently have branches in Armidale, Glen Innes, Guyra and Uralla.
“In those four townships, funds raised will go directly to Can Assist and Tenterfield and Walcha will each name a charity in their town that they will donate to – it’s all about making sure that the money raised stays in the local community to help the local community,” said Ms Forsythe.
Much more detail, including final schedules, open garden details, ticket purchasing and competitions will become available via the event website as the festival nears.
In the meantime, Ms Forsythe and the festival committee will continue to work tirelessly to create another celebration of all things beautiful in our region.
“It’s big and it’s challenging but it’s also just so rewarding. The very simple act of doing something positive makes such a huge difference and you meet the most wonderful people along the way.”
Top image: Jane Gilpin Gardens (Supplied)
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with New England Times to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.